Garlic Supplements

Garlic supplements offer an easy, odor-free, and convenient way to take garlic. Allium sativum, Garlic as we know it, is not just a culinary staple. For centuries, it's been well-known for its medicinal properties. Particularly, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, and Indian cuisine use garlic extensively for its revered health benefits. 

In the modern age, where people don't have enough time to cook or tolerate the pungent taste of garlic, garlic supplements have claimed prominence due to the well-known health benefits of garlic. From immune support to potential cardiovascular benefits, these supplements with garlic are popular. 

What are Garlic Supplements?

Garlic supplements contain concentrated extracts of garlic derived from garlic bulbs. They contain the beneficial compounds of garlic in a stable form without the odor.

Not many people enjoy eating garlic – raw or cooked. They may not like the flavor, smell, or taste. So, supplements ensure that people with busy lives can get the garlic health benefits without having to consume multiple cloves of garlic. 

Did you know that allicin in garlic is responsible for its health benefits? But, it's highly unstable and it's released only when garlic is crushed or cut. This allicin is responsible for garlic to have its odor. The supplements contain stable forms of allicin depending on the extraction method. 

Some of the bioactive compounds that you usually find in good garlic supplements are allicin, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), ajoene, and diallyl disulfide and trisulfide. Cooking garlic destroys allicin, but supplements preserve various active compounds. Practitioner recommended garlic supplements contain standardized allicin, SAC, etc. Depending on the specific health goals of the garlic food supplement, it may contain additional synergistic ingredients. 

Forms of Garlic Supplements

Garlic supplements are available in multiple forms on Nutriessential such as:

• Garlic Oil: Herb Pharm offers a garlic oil supplement made from fresh and cured organic garlic plants. Certified organic cane alcohol is used for extraction to maintain phytochemical balance. You can mix it with water, but it may still have the distinct smell of garlic. The same brand Herb Pharm has Mullein Garlic Oil for kids, but it's for topical use only. It can be used to get relief from ear infections in children. 

• Garlic Capsules: If you are looking for completely tasteless garlic supplements, you can go for garlic capsules. These usually contain freeze-dried garlic extracts with maximum potency. We feature garlic supplements from top brands like Pure Encapsulations, Pharmax, Natures Way, etc. 

• Aged Garlic Extract: Some garlic supplements from brands like Kyolic have aged garlic extract. These contain premium garlic extracts aged to perfection. They may contain additional ingredients for added cardiovascular and blood pressure support for healthy individuals.  

• Fermented Black Garlic: Another form of garlic supplement you can find is fermented black garlic. Here, extracts are obtained from garlic that is fermented at a high temperature in a high-humidity environment for a specific period of time. This is also beneficial, but it turns the garlic black and changes its taste and consistency. You won't taste it when you take fermented black garlic capsules such as the ones from Dr. Mercola. 

What are the Health Benefits of Garlic Supplements?

Garlic supplements' benefits cover several aspects of health, many of which are supported by clinical trials and research. These include:

Fight Against Oxidative Stress

Free radicals are responsible for several age-related disorders and exposure to stressors increases the oxidative stress in the body. Garlic has excellent antioxidant properties and it neutralizes free radicals effectively. A study shows that raw garlic has better antioxidants than garlic supplements, but aged garlic supplements have better antioxidant properties than raw garlic. 

Protection Against Illness

Aged garlic extract supplements are beneficial for your immune system. The antiviral properties of garlic can help prevent infections caused by viruses. With regular and consistent use of garlic, you may be able to severity of common cold and flu symptoms. 

Support for a Healthy Heart

In healthy individuals, garlic supplements may be useful in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure. Allicin present in garlic may be useful in relaxing blood vessels and this can allow blood to flow more freely. In one review, garlic was found to be useful in lowering the total cholesterol levels in the body. 

Athletic Performance

Garlic has been used by ancient civilisations to improve fatigue and work capacity. Garlic may be useful in improving exercise and athletic performance. 

Detoxification

Garlic contains sulfur compounds, which can be useful in removing heavy metals from the body. It can help with natural detoxification. Regular intake of garlic supplements can boost your body's natural toxin removal functions. 

Garlic Supplements Vs Raw Garlic: Which is Better?

Raw garlic also has many health benefits. However, the stability of beneficial compounds is the key to note here. With raw garlic, you must wait for at least 10 minutes after you cut or crush garlic to release allicin. This is a highly unstable compound that degrades quickly, especially when you heat it for cooking. Raw garlic can have a pungent taste and smell. 

Garlic supplements, on the other hand, can be more useful as you can get important compounds like allicin, SAC, etc, in a more stable and standardized form. Unlike raw garlic, they don't degrade faster. So, you can get the sustained benefits of garlic through supplements. Also, the supplements ensure better bioavailability and absorption. 

Who Should Avoid Garlic Supplements?

If you have low blood pressure, underlying heart conditions, or any other medical condition, you must consult with an expert first before taking garlic supplements. 

Those who are on blood thinner medications can avoid supplements that contain garlic. Some people may be allergic to garlic in food, and they should also avoid taking garlic supplements. People with a sensitive gut and who get frequent digestive disorders should be more cautious while choosing garlic supplements. 

How to Choose Garlic Supplements?

You can buy garlic supplements from Nutriessential from top brands in different forms. Pay attention to the following when you buy:

• Quality assurance: Ensure that the brand you buy offers quality assurance. Check whether they are made in cGMP manufacturing facilities and whether they are tested thoroughly. Third-party testing adds more credibility, but many brands also have in-house labs for effective testing. 

• Explore forms: You can choose garlic capsules, oil, fermented black garlic, or aged garlic extract supplements based on your health goals and supplement preference. 

• Avoid fillers: Check the product label to ensure that it doesn't contain additional fillers and additives. If you have a sensitive gut, you can explore hypoallergenic supplements. 

You can consult with our health expert to find a garlic supplement that is more suitable for your unique body needs. If you have underlying health conditions and take other medications, ensure that you consult with the doctor first. 

FAQs

1. What is the best time to take garlic supplements?

You can reduce stomach upset common with garlic by taking garlic supplements with meals. Ensure that you take it consistently to get the health benefits. Always refer to the product labels for dosage and usage instructions. 

2. Do garlic supplements cause body odor or bad breath?

Depending on the supplements and how your body reacts to them, you may experience body odor. Unlike raw garlic, taking garlic supplements won't result in a strong garlic breath. 

3. Can garlic supplements help with cold or flu?

Some studies support the fact that garlic supplements boost immune response and can reduce the frequency and severity of the common cold or flu. Consult a health expert before taking garlic supplements. 

4. Are garlic supplements safe for long-term use?

Yes, garlic supplements are generally safe for long-term use. Ensure that you refer to the product label and take the right dosage. If you are concerned about the side effects, consult with a health expert first before taking the supplements.